Robots Increase Efficiency for Dairy Education and Research

Quebec school brings the latest robotic technology to the classroom

Students and staff at the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire (ITA) will make use of the latest robotic technology for both research and education this fall: the DeLaval VMS™ milking system V300. Setting the new standard in robotic milking for production and education, the VMS V300 is an excellent fit for the education of young dairymen and women entering the industry.

“Throughout the process so far, we’ve been impressed by the commitment DeLaval has to the next generation of dairy producers,” says Pascal Giguère, Training Manager at the ITA. “We have quite a few students who will be returning to their home farms after graduation, as well as technicians in the workforce. We’re proud to provide an environment that includes technology they’ll use after they leave our campus.”

While other schools across North America have embraced earlier versions of robotic milking for education, the ITA St-Hyacinthe campus is the first to add the VMS V300 to their learning experience. One fully-functional robot will be added to the classroom each year over the next three years, with the first installation occurring this fall.

“It’s really important for our agriculture schools to be able to teach using robotic technology,” says Philippe Belisle, owner of the DeLaval dealer working on the project. “We’re honored to work with the school and DeLaval to help equip our industry with this progressive learning and research opportunity.”

With a 10 percent higher capacity, up to 50 percent faster attachment time, up to 99.8 percent attachment rate, up to 99 percent teat spray hit rate, real quarter milking, lower running cost than earlier systems and with a potential of up to 7,500 pounds of milk per day, the VMS V300 has set a new industry performance standard since its release in 2018*.

With a reputation for quality that has grown stronger over the years, the ITA is the ideal place to study in agriculture. With the highest concentration of students destined to take over a farming business in Quebec, ITA collaborates in the preparation of a high-quality succession thanks to the multidisciplinary expertise of a large faculty.

“The combination of our elite programs and staff, with the VMS V300, is sure to benefit the dairy industry in the coming years,” says Giguère.

*Data collected on test and pilot farms. Results may vary and are not guaranteed.

DeLaval is a worldwide leader in milking equipment and solutions for dairy farmers, which make sustainable food production possible, warranting milk quality and animal health. Our solutions are used by millions of dairy farmers around the globe every day.

DeLaval was founded more than 135 years ago in Sweden when the visionary Gustaf de Laval patented the cream separator. Today, DeLaval has 4,500 employees and operates in more than 100 markets. DeLaval, alongside Tetra Pak and Sidel, is part of the Tetra Laval Group. See more at www.delaval.com.

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